Marco Giani 

My name is Marco Giani. I was born in Cassano Valcuvia, in the province of Varese, in 1920. I was the son of Maria Pedroletto and Carlo Giani, a well-known engineer and councilor for public works. I was a lieutenant in the "Susa" Battalion of the Alpini. In September 1943, I was with my men at the Cisa Pass where we decided to fight together against the German troops and the units of the Italian Social Republic. After winning a battle near Piacenza, I abandoned my uniform, weapons, and equipment. I put on civilian clothes and I managed to reach Cassano, where I reunited with my uncles and my brothers. Anticipating the arrival of the Allies, we decided to take refuge in Switzerland. However, in 1944, the partisan commanders Superti and Di Dio succeeded in liberating Domodossola. The Partisan Republic of Ossola was formed, so I decided to return and join them. I joined the “Valdossola” Division of Dionigi Superti. My unit was sent to Montorfano to help the Garibaldian partisans who were fighting in Gravellona Toce. Sacrificing myself for freedom and for the new Italy, I was wounded during the fighting and I died. It was September 1944. I had a glorious funeral in Domodossola along with the brave Vigorelli brothers who fell during the harsh and tragic raid in Valgrande. Today, I am also remembered on the memorial at the Court of Justice in Milan, which honors the lawyers of the Milan Bar who fell for freedom.